I arrived early and decided to find the Rollwright stones - approx 15 mins away. For those that are unaware these were Tolkiens inspiration for the Barrow Downs. In true fashion the weather was foggy and very wet, although upon reflection this really gave it a 'magical feel'. Worthy of a visit if ever in area.

From there I made my way to Moreton for the first time.

The artwork was fantastic and myself and another member ? spent some time discussing which Ted Nasmith print was the best. This being said Ted did agree 'Entering Mirkwood' was his favourite - well kind of . After much pondering i couldnt make my mind and brought neither!

The 'Tolkein' section with letters and of course the now famous drawing was the highlight with some facinating family life background- brilliant.

Angela Gardners talk on the new book was very good and gave an interesting insight into her recent research.

Jef Murray and Ted Nasmith were more than open to have a chat and sign and doodle in books etc which was very nice. (Thanks for cat Jef).

And of course not forgetting the real highlight - meeting Trotter & garm of course.

I'm still not aware of anyone on this site who went to the over-priced Welsh event, but there is a Podcast with interviews with Mark Faith, an artist called Rodney Matthews who has done some Tolkien pictures and Tom Shippey.

I have not yet listened to this yet but any Podcast with Tom in it is definitely recommended, I think he is at the end so feel free to fast forward. EDIT Tom starts at 52 minutes 35 seconds into the podcast

*thinks - Beren was scheduled to give a talk at the Festival, wasn't he? How'd it go, Beren?

I enjoyed the Moreton event very much; esp. meeting Laurel and Trotter. (Shame Khamul couldn't make it, but hopefully next year.)

The artwork on show is the big draw at Moreton, and it doesn't disappoint. I like the work of all four artists, and have signed books etc by all of them, but I hope no-one will mind if I mention that Ted has always been one of my favourite Tolkien artists, and he produces something new every year! How does he do it? This year saw three new pictures, all inspired by episodes from The Hobbit - his Smaug picture; and Bilbo with the eagles; and also 'Entering Mirkwood' which I think is my favourite of the three (if that's not too invidious). Actually, this counts as one of my all-time favourites of Ted's works so far. Marvellous!

Ted, and Jef Murray, were there throughout the weekend, which was a big treat for their fans. Peter Pracownik missed the Friday (attending a rock festival, I understand - Peter used to be in Hawkwind, y'know). Peter suffered a painful accident recently, and gamely attended on crutches. Get well soon, Peter. And the same good wishes to Ruth, who sadly couldn't be there at all this weekend - she'd hurt her back in a fall. I did mention to Jef and ted that they might need to watch out for themselves for a while - two out of four Tolkien artists coming a cropper within a two-week period? Ouch!

Finally, like Laurel (and no doubt Trotter too) I had a complete thrill at seeing one of Tolkien's original pieces. (Tolkien's picture of Lamb's farm, Gedling, circa 1911). A real treat!

Finally, like Laurel (and no doubt Trotter too) I had a complete thrill at seeing one of Tolkien's original pieces. (Tolkien's picture of Lamb's farm, Gedling, circa 1911). A real treat!

It was a fantastic opportunity to see the original of JRRT Lamb's Farm picture, and also great to see garm and laurel. I'd also agree on Ted's paintings, he still produces stunning items, and he is so approachable as an artist

and also 'Entering Mirkwood' which I think is my favourite of the three (if that's not too invidious). Actually, this counts as one of my all-time favourites of Ted's works so far. Marvellous!

I have to agree with this, though not to laurel (my print is much better, Ted said so ), Ted told me that he has identified each of the dwarfs in the picture and will publicise this either from himself or though Andy and Malcolm at adcbooks.co.uk.

Posted on: 2010/8/21 4:02

(edited)

Edited by Trotter on 2010/8/21 4:15:04Edited by Trotter on 2010/8/21 4:45:59Edited by Trotter on 2010/8/21 4:49:24Edited by Trotter on 2010/8/21 4:53:53